3-Day Uyuni Salt Flat Adventure To San Pedro De Atacama

Overview

Embark on an expedition in a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser to explore the Uyuni Salt Flat, area deserts, local villages, multi-colored lakes with flamingos, geysers, thermal hot-springs, the Galaxia Caves, and more onthis 3-day, one-way, guided adventurefrom Uyuni, Bolivia to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Guide, private transportation, accommodation, meals, and border crossing assistance included.

Highlights

Get off the beaten track in a 4x4

See native wildlife in their natural environment

Informative, friendly and professional guide

Small group ensures personal service

Multi-Day Trip

Details about this tour

ItineraryDay 1: Uyuni - Train Graveyard - Colchani - Uyuni Salt Flats (Incahuasi Island) - Candelaria (L/D)Stop At: Salar de uyuni, Uyuni, Potosi DepartmentMake your own way to the meeting point of the tour. Start off at 11 am with a visit to Uyuni's 'train graveyard' to see the first locomotives in Bolivia. Then we will visit the small village of Colchani to visit a salt factory where they process the salt mined from Uyuni, have lunch, and enjoy some free time to explore the local museum or shop for souvenirs. Next we will continue to the great salt flats of Uyuni. Take photos as you cruise along the vast white expanse of salt, and visit a hotel made completely of salt. Next we will visit Incahuasi (Fish Island) where you will have time to take a hike to the top of the island to see giant cactus and rock formations made of petrified coral. Enjoy the stunning sunset over the salt flat before spending the night at the village of Candelaria in a salt hotel.Note: During the rainy season, between January and April, the Fish Island tour will be replaced with a possible stargazing / During the monsoon season, between January and April, the Salt Hotel will be in Colchani Village.Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 2: Sora Canyon - Andean Lagoons - Desert of Siloli - Red Lagoon - Sol de Manana Geysers - Polques (B/L/D)Stop At: Salar de Uyuni, Uyuni, Potosi DepartmentStart off at 7:00 am for breakfast at the hotel and then head toward the villages of Julaca and San Agustin where we will take a short walk to the Sora Canyon to observe incredible views and flocks of llamas. Our next stop is at the Volcan Ollague viewpoint, where we will have lunch before heading to the beautiful Andean lagoons inhabited by 3 species of Andean flamingos. Visit the Desert of Siloli at 4550m (the highest and driest in the world) and take a photo next to the 'Rock tree', a lava rock formation. Before arriving to our final destination today, we will stop at the overlook point by the Red Lagoon to see more pink flamingos and admire this intense red-colored lake, and then at the Sol de Maana geysers. In the evening we will enjoy the open air hot springs and take a bath in naturally 35 C water before spending the night in nearby Polques.Note: During the rainy season, between January and April, the departure will be at 6:00 am.Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 3: Dali Desert - Green Lagoon - San Pedro de Atacama (B)Stop At: Salar de Uyuni, Uyuni, Potosi DepartmentGet off to an early start around 7:30 to the Dali Pampas, where Salvador Dali found his inspiration from boulders sprinkled in the middle of the desert, and then to the Green Lagoon (toxic copper water at the foot of the big Licancabur volcano at 6000m, a few kilometers from the Bolivia-Chile border). Cross the border into Chile and change vehicles. Your local driver will meet you and take you all the way to San Pedro de Atacama, passing beautiful scenery along the way. Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama around noon. Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or force majeure events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as close as possible / During the rainy season, between January and April, the departure will be at 6:00 am. Duration: 1 dayNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.

Inclusions

1 night in Hostel in double rooms

1 night in a family homestay in shared lodging

Transportation in 4X4 Land Cruiser with rooftop luggage rack (up to 6 people per vehicle)

Gratuities for guide, driver and cook (Optional, however keep in mind that tipping is common in Latin America and would be greatly appreciated)

Airport transfers

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

Hotel pickup

Entry/Admission - Salar de Uyuni

Entry/Admission - Salar de Uyuni

Entry/Admission - Salar de Uyuni

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability

This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other forces beyond our control

During the rainy season (January to April), the salt flat fills with water so it is not possible to cross the salt flat in the same way as during dry season causing the itinerary to be modified during that period. The main changes are: instead of stopping at the Incahuasi Island, a stop is made at a place where the water reflects the sky so it seems that the sky and the ground merge into one; on Day 1 might require sleeping at a different location; visit the Sol de Maana Geyser and hot springs at the end of Day 2 instead of in the morning of Day 3.

This trip takes place at a very high altitude. For example, the salt flats is around 16,000 feet (5,000 meters) above sea level. Most guests feel some effects of altitude (headache, lethargy, trouble sleeping) and we recommend acclimating yourself by staying above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) for a few days before embarking on this trip.

Bring medication for headaches and tablets for altitude sickness in case you feel unwell

Always drink LOTS of water to assist in acclimatization

The reality of visiting a remote area and immersing yourself in nature is that you will be far from modern facilities and the services may sometimes be slow and basic

Due to the harsh terrain, vehicle breakdowns are not uncommon, however, the drivers are skilled at fixing mechanical problems and delays are rarely excessive

The accommodations will be very basic with cots and shared rooms

Electricity and running water in the National Park are not as dependable as they are at home

Public toilet facilities will be available only on the first day and may have a small local cost

Temperatures can drop well below zero in the winter months and the wind chill can be harsh at all times so bring warm clothes and many layers

Also bring a sun hat, polarized sunglasses, high SPF sunblock, trekking shoes, swimsuit, towel, personal medication, a flashlight, a camera, extra batteries and memory card, chargers (electricity is available in most hotels), hand sanitizer, and personal first aid kit

Read More

Cancellation Policy

This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Reviews

09-Apr-2017

Very good you should try it.
After crossing Bolivia Border line, they arrange a van for
passengers to Chile border line where is far about one hour
drive. And then send every passengers to their hotels in San
Pedro de Atacama. This is a great service.